P.O. Box 901, Prosser WA 99350 /wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com / 360.597.4411

Justin R. Schaffer was born on January 30, 1992, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Glenn and Sheila Schaffer. 

 

In 2006, Schaffer and his family moved to Chehalis. He graduated from Adna High School in 2010 and went on to earn his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Centralia College in 2012. 

 

Schaffer met his wife, Sandra, when the two worked together at Grocery Outlet in Chehalis. They began dating in January 2012 and married in August 2013.

 

Schaffer was hired by Washington State Patrol in November 2013 as a Trooper Cadet assigned to the Property Management Division. On January 13, 2014, Trooper Cadet Schaffer started his training with the 27th Arming Class. On February 14, 2014, Trooper Cadet Schaffer continued his training with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on September 16, 2014, assigned to Morton. 

 

On September 1, 2016, Trooper Schaffer was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert. On November 10, 2018, Trooper Schaffer completed K9 training and was a certified K9 handler to his partner “Frankie.” Trooper Schaffer transferred to Chehalis on December 13, 2018. 

 

Trooper Schaffer passed away on March 24, 2020, at the age of 28. Justin was fatally struck by a vehicle when placing spike strips down on Interstate 5 in Chehalis. At the time of his death, Trooper Schaffer had served seven years with the Washington State Patrol.

 

Trooper Schaffer’s wife, Sandra, resides in Thurston County with her fiancé and 9-month-old daughter, as well with her dogs, Kadie and K9 Frankie. When Sandra is not busy being a new mom, she still enjoys baking and decorating cakes. Even though she has taken a step back from her cake business, she enjoys making them for friends and family. 

 

His parents, Sheila and Glenn, live in Chehalis. Glenn is the retired Police Chief for Chehalis Police Department. Justin’s brother, Brandon is a fireman with the Lewis County Fire Department. His sister-in-law, Samantha, graduated from the University of Louisville with her Bachelor of Science degree. Brandon and Samantha have a three-month-old son, Jameson. They reside in Napavine, WA.